A skunk attack can be a pain in the neck for pet owners and their pooches. These critters tend to lurk around in the dark and when it's least expected, they'll spray to ward off predators. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, skunks spray when they are alarmed and as dogs tend to be curious creatures, they are commonly sprayed with the pungent bodily chemical.

Although skunks tend to come out more often during the warmer months, a pet is never safe from an attack as they are active throughout the year. Owners can limit their dog's chances of meeting a skunk by letting it out or walking it before it gets dark and making sure to keep it on-leash when walking in the woods or isolated areas.

If a pet is sprayed by a skunk, owners will need to use products that will break down the oils in the spray of the skunk. VCA suggests washing the dog with a combination of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid dish soap, typically in a ratio of three to four parts hydrogen peroxide to one part baking soda and about a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. The solution should be mixed together in a plastic bucket and then applied to the entire coat and worked deeply into the fur. An owner should leave the solution on for at least 5 minutes or until the odor is gone. When bathing the dog in this solution, owners need to remember to keep the suds away from its eyes, ears and nose - a toothbrush soaked in the solution can be used to clean the hair around the eyes if your dog was sprayed in the face. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed. Any extra solution should be discarded. This solution should never be stored as the ingredients can build up pressure in a closed container and
explode.

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